Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a decadent, French-inspired dish perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners. Featuring tender shrimp and sweet crab meat in a rich, seasoned broth, this bisque is finished with a touch of heavy cream for added indulgence. Serve it hot with crusty bread to soak up every flavorful spoonful. Easy to customize with a hint of spice or your favorite fresh herbs, this seafood bisque is guaranteed to impress!
AdvertisementCreamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is the ultimate indulgent dish, combining tender shrimp, sweet crab, and a rich seasoned broth. This bisque is perfect for special dinners or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious seafood experience. Pair it with crusty bread for the perfect accompaniment.
INGREDIENTS
- Shrimp: 1/2 lb cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- Crab Meat: 1/2 lb cooked, shells removed
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, for sautéing vegetables
- Vegetables: 1/4 cup each of finely chopped celery and carrot, and 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for added flavor
- Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper to taste
- Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose, for thickening the bisque
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp, to add depth of flavor
- Broth: 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for richness
- Sherry: 2 tbsp (optional), for a sophisticated touch
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, or dill for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, carrot, and onion, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 2:
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Step 3:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth to avoid lumps, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 4:
- Simmer the bisque for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add sherry if desired for added flavor.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, followed by the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Cook for 5 minutes until the seafood is heated through.
- Step 6:
- Season the bisque with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with crusty bread.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the bisque hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Helpful Notes
- Use high-quality seafood for the best flavor. Fresh shrimp and crab are ideal, but frozen, cooked options work well too.
- For a smoother texture, blend half of the bisque before adding the seafood.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Simone suggests adding a pinch of saffron for an elevated flavor profile.
- Chef Thomas recommends serving the bisque with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious finish.